The Patman Center brings together speakers from across the political spectrum, including public leaders, political professionals, and policy experts. Our events provide real-world perspectives on governance, campaigns, and civic life, offering students and the broader community an inside look at how leadership and democracy function in practice.
2025 Past Speakers
Throughout the 2025 academic year, Patman Center programming connected audiences with 26 leaders actively engaged in politics from both sides of the aisle, including elected officials, campaign strategists, and legislative staff, providing firsthand insight into how political decisions are made.
2024 Past Speakers
In Spring 2024, The Patman Center welcomed 36 distinguished speakers from across the political spectrum. From Republican to Democratic elected officials to legislative staff and campaign professionals, our events bring real-world insights from leaders shaping politics today.
The Patman Center Events
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday March 10, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Drawing on decades of leadership at the highest levels of government and international diplomacy, Ambassador Hutchison will reflect on the politics and issues shaping the current moment, the evolving role of NATO and global alliances, and the challenges facing public leadership today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday March 23, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a timely conversation with State Representative Gene Wu, Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and State Senator Carol Alvarado, Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus. As leaders in their respective chambers, they will discuss the future of the Democratic Party in Texas and the politics and issues shaping the state today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday March 26, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.B10
This session will examine healthy news consumption habits for civic leaders, the current state of the U.S. media landscape, and the role of journalism in keeping the public informed. Participants will explore how different communities consume news across political divides and gain insight into how today’s media environment shapes public understanding and civic engagement.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday March 30, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us to discuss the issues shaping Tarrant County — from local infrastructure and community services to the political climate influencing our cities. Commissioner Krause, a former Texas state representative now focused on enhancing quality of life for county residents, will share his perspective on community priorities and the current state of affairs in Texas today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday March 31, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.214
This class teaches participants how to create compelling social media campaigns that engage and mobilize their audience. Attendees will learn key strategies for crafting clear messages, targeting the right platforms, and driving meaningful action online.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday April 2, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for an intimate conversation with the Honorable John Sharp as he shares insights from his decades of leadership across our state. He will discuss civic leadership, the pressing issues of the day, and the challenges shaping Texas’s future.